In an interview with the French channel LCI, Jean-Luc Mélenchon , leader of the radical left-wing French party “France Unbowed” and its candidate for the upcoming presidential elections, strongly criticized the current Israeli government’s policy, considering that it contributes to escalating tensions in the Middle East region and fueling conflicts with neighboring countries.
Milinchon clarified that his criticisms were directed specifically at the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his gang of fascists, and not at the State of Israel as a whole, stressing the need to distinguish between government policies and the nature of the state.
In response to the interviewer's question about which country is the most dangerous in the Middle East at the moment, Milinchon replied that, in his view, Israel is the most dangerous country today, Considering that it initiates attacks on its neighbors and ignites wars.
He then went on to clarify his position, pointing out that what was meant was not the state itself, but Netanyahu's government.
The journalist responded by asking whether Israel was more dangerous than Iran, especially in light of the accusations against Iran of supporting armed groups such as the Lebanese Hezbollah. Jean-Luc Mélenchon replied that, in his opinion, Iran had not carried out a direct invasion of other countries, although he acknowledged the existence of Iranian influence through external parties.
He added that Hezbollah, despite its ties to Iran, remains a phenomenon linked to the internal Lebanese reality, calling for avoiding oversimplification in classifying parties as “good” and “evil.”
The journalist considered that Mélenchon’s statements might provoke controversy, especially since the comparison is between a country described as democratic and another with a religious system that is widely criticized for repression and support for terrorism. The French left-wing leader responded by confirming that he was only answering the question posed, and stressing that his assessment is based on current events, as he accused Netanyahu’s government of carrying out military operations in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, and of continuing expansionist policies in areas such as the Golan Heights and the West Bank.
Milinchon stressed that his criticism was primarily directed at the current Israeli government, which he believes is damaging Israel's own image and exacerbating tensions in the region.
